My Weight Loss Journey

Gosh! Where do I start?

I feel like the last decade has been so hectic (getting married, having two children, opening dental practices, etc.), that I have not had any time to focus on myself and my own health.

Flash forward, 2019. Enjoying a coffee with my friend, I stated that I wanted to lose 60 pounds, but it wasn’t possible. She gave me a stern look, and asked me “why not?. I am never without words, and I had no answer for her. I guess I just didn’t believe in myself? I guess I just didn’t actually think that I was capable of motivating myself? When they say “you are your own worst enemy”, they are spot on. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could do it.

Now, I do want to stop here, and tell you I have NOT made it to my goal yet. I am a work in progress, and am proud of how far I have come. My starting weight was 216. I had really let myself go after my dad passed. I ate double chocolate muffins on the daily. I didn’t exercise. I stopped at McDonald’s when I felt like it. I was living the life. Except I wasn’t. Inside, I did not feel good about myself. I always loved to dress up, and go all out. At a size 16, it was no longer that fun. Now, don’t get me wrong. I still wore my loud Lilly! I still dressed my body no matter what shape, but I just didn’t feel myself. The average size of women in US is a 14, and I truly believe some of the most beautiful women I know have some meat on them! This was not about size. This was not about the actual weight, but how I felt about myself.

People these days are asking me for tips, so here they are!!!

1. Start weight lifting. I started from once a week, and have now built up to 3 times a week.
2. You must count your calories. My dad always said, “weight loss is 90% what you put in your mouth.” I downloaded Noom or myFitnessPal apps and started counting calories on these apps. I no longer count calories, but I have learned what are high calorie and low calorie so I just estimate.
3. Intermittent fasting. I do a variation of 16:8, 14:10, 12:12. It really depends on the day, and how I feel. If I can fast longer, then great, but I don’t torture myself. No matter what, no eating after 8pm. Period.
4. Brownie Friday’s. Ever since I started trying to lose weight, I didn’t want to deprive myself or my kids from our favorite sweet treat. Every Friday, we bake warm, delicious fudge brownies, and enjoy every bite!!! It also gives me something to look forward to all week!

So now, for the results, I started July 2019 at 216 lbs. (size 16, height 5’8), and have now reached 180lbs (size 10). My goal is 160, so I obviously have a lot of work to do, but now I have never been more motivated!!!

I hope this helps someone out there who is on their journey! Please feel free so ask me any questions you might have.

xoxo,

Tina